EU Code Week is a grassroots initiative that aims to promote coding and digital literacy among young people across Europe. Through fun and engaging activities across the continent, students gain insights into computer science and related fields and acquire new skills. 

Founded in 2013 by the Young Advisors for the Digital Agenda Europe and funded by the European Commission, Code Week set out to connect the many already existing grassroots initiatives in Europe that dedicate themselves to promote coding and digital technologies in their region. As such Code Week initially served as a platform to collect and highlight these efforts, raise awareness and inspire more people to join and contribute. Over the following years, the initiative grew steadily and developed into an active pan-European network of volunteers, educators and young professionals.

Over 100 ambassadors across Europe and beyond help promote and coordinate EU Code Week in their country or region and provide support to those who want to offer an activity. As the overall aim is to make programming more visible and attractive, activities cover the whole spectrum of computer science. Particularly popular are the unplugged coding activities, thus coding exercises that do not require computers or digital devices. Each year, Code Week has a theme such as digital art, robotics, cybersecurity or Internet of Things. 

Anyone can participate in EU Code Week and taking part in activities requires no prior knowledge. Activities during Code Week are free of charge and take place online and offline. Code Week usually happens in October and lasts for two weeks, however, many other activities are organised throughout the year. Check out the Code Week Map to find activities near you. 

Code Week is sponsored by and collaborates with nonprofits, ngos, universities and organisations with similar objectives including code.org, the European Schoolnet, Google, Apple and the European Commission.

The next EU Code Week takes place from 7 to 22 October.